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England chasing 251 to keep Ashes hopes alive

England need another 224 runs to win the third Test and keep their Ashes hopes alive after a thrilling rain-shortened third day at Headingley.

The hosts reached 27-0 at the close, chasing 251, after bowling Australia out for 224.

England took advantage of perfect bowling conditions to turn Australia’s 116-4 into 170-8 after rain prevented any play until just before 17:00 BST.

At that stage Australia’s lead was 196 but Travis Head batted superbly to help add another 54 for the final two wickets.

He batted in the style of Ben Stokes, striking seven fours and three sixes, in his 77 before being caught in the deep.

That left England with a perilous 25 minutes to bat but Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett hit four fours in five overs to give England a platform.

Defeat for England will see Australia win an Ashes series in England for the first time since 2001. (BBC)

July 9, 2023
Walking in her sister’s footsteps, Berbice girl delivers double feat for family at NGSA

July 9, 2023
Two families homeless after fire destroys Albion home

Two families are left to ponder their next move after fire completely destroyed the house they lived in at Albion, Guava Bush, Corentyne, Berbice.

The News Room understands that a family of six lived in the upper flat while a family of four lived in the bottom flat; together, these families consist of six children, ages one to nine.

Shivani Rakesh, who lived in the upper flat of the concrete and wooden structure with her four children and husband, said she left home with her family to attend a birthday celebration for her father approximately 10 houses away. She said when they left home the family of four was home in the bottom flat and all was well.

It was sometime around midnight that they got the news that the house was on fire and when they arrived, the entire building was already engulfed in flames. Nothing could be saved and they have nowhere to live, Rakesh said. Her children are ages 9, 7, 5 and 4.

Meanwhile, Devindra Punwassie, 32, a cane cutter at the Albion Estate was consumed with tears as he spoke of the unfortunate event. He lived in the bottom flat with his pregnant wife and two children, ages 3 and 1.

He said they were all asleep but he was awakened by the smell of something burning and when he got up he saw fire emanating from his home, he gathered his family and ran out for their safety.

He said he alerted the neighbour and immediate contact was made with the fire service.

The families are hoping that people can assist them in any way possible. Those desirous of doing so can contact them at 6732462/6283203 or 6732536.

July 9, 2023
Five Chinese nationals rescued from inferno at Saffon St. premises

The engulfed building (Photo: Joseph Allen)
“Three of them were sent to the hospital for smoke inhalation, along with one of our firefighters,” a release from the GFS said.

The GFS also managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the La Penitence market and nearby buildings.

As a result of the fire, citizens are advised that the following streets are blocked off to traffic until further notice:

– Sussex and Hogg

– Broad and Saffon

– Broad and Sussex

– Saffon and Pont trench road

– James and Hogg

July 9, 2023
West Berbice residents impacted by recent High Winds receive building materials

Vice President Dr. Bharat Jagdeo engaging with residents (Photo: DPI)
To bolster the Government’s response to the impact, Vice President Dr. Bharat Jagdeo visited and spoke with some of the residents.

He assured those affected that the government’s assistance will be consistent in many facets so that their communities can develop.

Dr. Jagdeo also agreed to meet with the residents in the coming week to discuss further assistance and future plans for development.

The Commission continues to render aid to residents and communities that are impacted by hazards and disasters, and persons are encouraged to remain vigilant and cautious and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.

(Extracted from DPI)

July 9, 2023
Jagdeo assures Region Five residents affected by heavy winds of support in rebuilding efforts

Some of the residents during the engagement

Michelle McPherson told the Department of Public Information (DPI), “I’m glad that we are getting the help to do back our house. Now that we have some of the materials we would like to start rebuilding as soon as possible.”

Another resident, Tamekea McPherson who lives with her parents said, “I am thankful for the help because it will ease them a lot from spending more money, since they are both pensioners and they aren’t working anywhere.”

The woman hopes to help rebuild her parents’ home as soon as possible with the materials from CDC.

Although she resides with her mother most times, Fiona Massiah has a house that she is gradually moving into, but its roofing was removed by the strong winds.

“I am grateful for what the CDC is doing at the moment for me because I can say I started building my house from scratch without help and to start all over again would be really hard for me,” the young teacher stressed.

Meanwhile, Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal stated that the government will always support its people.

“Because some of them don’t have the resources to rebuild, the government has come on board to assist and it was prompt. That is the way we operate and how the government responds to the needs of the people,” he added.

(DPI)

July 9, 2023
With bigger expectations, Int’l Building Expo returns with more opportunities for Guyanese

technology focused agenda as that of last year’s event, Prime Minister Philips said the country’s building sector must continue to adopt modern techniques. He noted that this event gets the message across while delivering the products necessary for persons to utilise.

Prime Minister Brigadier (R’td) Mark Phillips

“This revolution in building construction has created more opportunities for businesses to market various products and services in [many] areas.

“This is all part of the building revolution making this forthcoming exposition such an eagerly awaited event. The building revolution is also revealing the artistry and skill of our workforce,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Phillips explained that Guyana’s construction force is becoming heavily skilled to provide varied services. However, he reminded that there is a need for more workers in the sector.

In the meantime, the ministry has considered all the ways it can improve the expo which last year saw over 100,000 in attendance. According to Minister Croal, it is a four-day event rather than three and will cater for presentations in the afternoon into the evening when more people turn out rather than the morning as was done last year.

These minor tweaks, he said, will make it easier for attendees and exhibitors to truly enjoy the event.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal

“We are going to be providing you the opportunities so exhibitors patrons, you will be able to enjoy sublime experience.

“We intend to ensure that the interactions are result driven and that opportunities for sales are fully explored, and that home builders are also fully, fully benefiting from the interventions,” Minister Croal said.

The ministry is encouraging as many exhibitors who want to participate to signup at the ministry’s secretary department or its website.

The country’s construction sector is undergoing a massive transformation and last year there were many exciting products introduced at the expo. While no such products were mentioned, Minister Croal disclosed that even before the launch on Friday, some 30 businesses already indicated their interest.

One of the main attractions at last year’s event was the model homes, which provided visitors with a glimpse of the various housing options available to Guyanese. Minister Croal said that the low-income, middle-income, and young professional homes developed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), are being expanded to newer areas.

Last year thousands of persons were able to receive houselots through the agency’s ‘Dream Realised’ exercise.

July 9, 2023
NGSA 2023: Guyana still needs to ‘catch the gap’ in the hinterland- Manickchand

July 9, 2023

Contracts signed for new secondary schools at Tuschen and Hosororo

3D rendered images of what the secondary school at Tuschen will look like upon completion

The Education Minister warned the contractors present today that they cannot delay the projects so that by September 2024, students can begin attending the schools. She said, “You are going to change people’s lives. An entire generation will get a different and a better life because of what you do”. She encouraged them to be efficient and to reach out to the Ministry if they are experiencing difficulties so that they can be resolved. Also present at today’s signing ceremony were Permanent Secretary, Mr. Alfred King, Chief Education Officer, Mr. Saddam Hussain and Special Projects Officer, Mr. Ron Eastman.

The secondary school at Tuschen will be a fully reinforced concrete structure combined with a circular and cylindrical building outline that is covered in a dome roof. The building will also be branched with several scientific and research centres, a multi-purpose and cafeteria hall, a storage and changing area and a library and document centre. The school will have 24 classrooms to accommodate over 800 students. The science centre will be equipped with a physics, chemistry and biology lab while the TVET Centre will have industrial and home economics laboratories.

The school will also have sanitary blocks for the student and teacher population. The fire prevention features include fire escape exits, escape doors, fire alarms, extinguishers, limited timber usage, metal ceilings and fire-retardant panels. The outdoor space will include a recreational facility for basketball, cricket and other sports.

The contracts awarded for the construction of the secondary school at Tuschen are as follows:

Lot -1 Sub-Structure Works	S&K Construction	$285,101,936.00
Lot -2 Super-Structure Works	AS Construction	$179,100,000.00
Lot -3 Plumbing Works	VG Group Guyana Inc.	$29,212,549.00
Lot -4 Electrical Works	N Balgobin & Sons	$72,467,910.00
Lot -5 Finishing Works	K&S General Construction	$137,833,000.00
Lot -6 External Works	AS Construction	$160,990,000.00

The Hosororo Secondary School will have 29 classrooms to accommodate over 500 students. Its science centre will also feature physics, chemistry and biology laboratories. The TVET centre will have both industrial and home economics laboratories. A student dormitory and visiting area will also be constructed to accommodate 200 students while the teachers’ duplex living quarters will accommodate 20 teachers. There will also be sanitary blocks for both students and teachers. The fire prevention features include fire escape exits, escape doors, fire alarms, extinguishers, limited timber usage, metal ceilings and fire-retardant panels. The outdoor space will accommodate several sporting disciplines.

The contracts awarded for the construction of the Hosororo Secondary School are as follows:

Lot -1 Site Development Works	International Imports & Supplies	$280,204,731.00
Lot -2 Sub-Structure Works, School Building	International Imports & Supplies	$303,837,015.00
Lot -3 Sub-Structure Works, Dormitory	Supreme Contracting & Supplies	$196,319,040.00
Lot -4 Sub-Structure Works, Teachers Quarters	International Imports & Supplies	$180,402,585.00
Lot -5 Super-Structure Works & Electrical	VG Group Guyana	$1,411,400,917.00
Lot -6 Plumbing Works	VG Group Guyana	$247,043,973.00

(Ministry of Education release)

July 9, 2023

La famille de Pierre-Louis Opont réclame sa libération après 18 jours de séquestration

Dix-huit jours se sont écoulés depuis l’enlèvement et la détention de Pierre-Louis Opont, ce qui plonge sa famille et ses proches dans l’incertitude et l’angoisse. Ils lancent un appel urgent pour demander sa libération, dans une note parue ce 7 juillet.

Dans une lettre rédigée par Marie Lucie Bonhomme, l’épouse de Pierre-Louis Opont, elle décrit son mari comme un homme intègre, un père de famille dévoué et un citoyen exemplaire qui a honoré et servi son pays avec dignité. La journaliste loue également son dévouement envers le service public de l’État, un trait admirable et estimable.

Pierre-Louis Opont a été enlevé près de sa résidence à Tabarre dans l’après-midi du mardi 20 juin 2023. Sa situation est préoccupante car sa santé nécessite une prise quotidienne de médicaments auxquels il n’a pas eu accès depuis trois longues semaines. Inquiète pour sa santé et sa vie, sa famille implore les ravisseurs de faire preuve d’humanité.

En publiant cet appel ce vendredi 7 juillet 2023, Marie Lucie Bonhomme espère toucher les cœurs des ravisseurs de son époux, afin qu’ils prennent conscience de la douleur qu’ils infligent également à sa famille et à ses amis, qui sont désemparés.

Il convient de souligner que l’Association des journalistes haïtiens (AJH) et SOS journalistes ont condamné l’enlèvement suivi de la détention de Pierre Louis Opont, co-propriétaire de Télé Pluriel, dans un communiqué de presse daté du 6 juillet, suite à l’incident survenu le 20 juin dernier à l’entrée de sa résidence à Tabarre.

Marvens Pierre

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July 8, 2023